Online Master’s in Computer Science Programs for Non-CS Majors
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- You can earn a master's in computer science without a CS undergrad degree.
- An online master's in computer science for non-CS majors can lead to lucrative careers.
- To earn a CS master's for non-CS majors, you'll need to take prerequisite courses.
Can you get a master's in computer science without a CS undergrad degree? There's good news — if you didn't major in computer science, you can still earn an online master's in computer science for non-CS majors.
Featured Master's in Computer Science Programs
Graduate-level computer science courses are challenging even if you have a bachelor's in computer science. Our guide walks through everything you need to know before submitting an application.
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Can I Get My Master's in Computer Science Without a CS Degree?
Yes, you can earn a master's in computer science without being a CS major. Many programs offer a CS master's for non-CS majors option.
Before you apply to CS master's programs, it's a good idea to research the admission requirements and prerequisites. As a non-CS major, you might need to take computer science courses before entering a master's program.
Some master's programs offer tracks for non-CS majors to complete prerequisite courses before taking graduate CS courses.
Featured Master's in Computer Science Programs
Prerequisites for a Master's in Computer Science Program
What are the prerequisites for master's programs in computer science? While you don't need an undergrad degree in CS to enroll in a master's program, you'll typically need to complete certain undergraduate courses.
Most programs expect prior coursework in calculus, discrete mathematics, and data structures. You'll also need programming knowledge, including coursework in coding languages like Python, Java, or C++.
Depending on the program, you may need to pass your prerequisite courses before applying. Other grad schools offer bridge programs to complete prerequisites.
Careers You Can Do With a Master's in Computer Science
| Computer Science Careers | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Computer Hardware Engineer | $128,170 |
| Computer Network Architect | $120,520 |
| Computer Programmer | $93,000 |
| Computer Scientist | $131,490 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $99,270 |
| Data Scientist | $100,910 |
| Database Administrator | $101,000 |
| Information Security Analyst | $102,600 |
| Software Developer | $109,020 |
| Web Developer | $78,300 |
You can work in computer science careers that pay above the national median salary with a master's in computer science. Computer scientists, computer network architects, and computer hardware engineers all report median salaries of over $120,000 per year.
Other common career paths include cybersecurity, software development, and data science. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects computer and IT jobs to grow 15% from 2021-2031, which exceeds the national average of 5% for all jobs.
Featured Master's in Computer Science Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Computer Science Programs for Non-CS Majors
Is a master's in computer science program hard?
It can be challenging to earn a master's in computer science. You'll need strong technical, programming, and analytical skills to succeed. However, you don't need a bachelor's in computer science to get into master's programs.
For example, in programs offering an online master's in computer science without a CS undergrad degree, you'll complete prerequisite courses before taking graduate-level CS classes. Some programs admit applicants with no prior programming experience.
How long does an online master's in computer science degree take?
Most online computer science master's programs take two years. You'll typically take 30-45 credits of graduate-level coursework to earn your master's degree. Some online CS programs offer an accelerated route to earn a master's in as little as 12-18 months.
If you majored in a field besides computer science, earning a master's can take longer. With no prior computer science experience, you can earn an online master's in computer science for non-CS majors in 2-3 years.
What can you do with a master's in computer science?
A master's degree in computer science prepares you for careers like software engineer or developer, computer network architect, and computer scientist. Many of these career paths report six-figure median salaries.
If you didn't major in computer science, you can still apply to programs that offer a CS master's for non-CS majors. In these programs, you'll need to take prerequisite courses in programming, math, and computer science before taking graduate-level courses.
